Judge Rejects Call for Long Sentence in Case of Al Qaeda Agent

A judge in Illinois sentenced an admitted Al Qaeda agent Thursday to less than two years in prison in addition to the six years he already has spent behind bars — much less than the 15 years requested by prosecutors.

But U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm said he doesn't think former Bradley graduate student Ali al-Marri has renounced the terrorist group and was likely to attack the U.S. if given the chance. But Mihm also said al-Marri deserved credit for the years he'd spent in isolation in the Navy brig.

Prosecutors claimed al-Marri told an Air Force psychiatrist all infidels, including Shiite Muslims, should be killed.

The Qatar native has admitted training in Al Qaeda camps and having contact with those involved in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Al-Marri pleaded guilty in May to conspiring to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.

The 100-month sentence includes a credit for 71 months already spent behind bars and an additional credit of nine months because of harsh treatment during his incarceration.